§ 86. Brigadier-General SURTEESasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, pending the formal acceptance of the Southern Irish Provisional Government by the Dail and the permanent acceptance of the Treaty, the King's Writ still runs in the South; and, if so, whether he can say what action, if any, will be taken with regard to those persons who have committed murders, arson, and outrage?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIn reply to the first part of the question, by the Transfer of 1723 Functions Order, 1922, public services in Ireland, including the administration of justice outside the six Northern counties, are transferred to the Provisional Government. In reply to the second part, I have every reason to suppose that that Government are taking all steps possible, in the present disturbed state of the country, to bring to justice persons believed to have been guilty of crime.